12.03.12

Statement on 1994 Group membership

Professor Michael
Farthing, Chair of the 1994 Group and Vice Chancellor of the University of
Sussex has responded to the news that four of the Group’s members are to
depart.

Professor Farthing
said:

“It is
disappointing that these institutions have decided to leave the 1994 Group, but
I wish them well in their new mission group. Like all members of the 1994 Group
they are excellent institutions with global reputations. It is a mark of pride
that they have been able to build on these reputations through 1994 Group
membership.

“The 1994 Group
continues to represent some of the worlds best higher education institutions.
Each believes that outstanding research informs excellent teaching to deliver
the highest quality student experiences. This commitment to the student
experience is the principle which our members came together to champion, and it
is one we will continue to uphold.”

1. The 1994
Group represents the UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive
universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University
research and teaching.

2. 9 of the top
20 universities in the Guardian University Guide 2012 league tables are 1994
Group members. 5 of the top 20 universities in the 2012 Sunday Times University
League Table are 1994 Group members. 6 of the top 20 universities in the 2012
Complete University Guide are 1994 Group members. The University of Bath is the
Sunday Times University of the year.

3. The
1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London,
University of East Anglia, University of Essex, Goldsmiths University of
London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University
of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough
University, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental
and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex.